I'm seeing the usual calls for warm clothing donations for unhoused neighbours because I follow a lot of knitters, but my friend who works at a free lunch program says they could also really use usb cables, chargers, and battery packs.
So if you've got some old conference swag or have been procrastinating on getting rid of your old battery pack because it still works, remember you can donate that stuff!
@terri This is true. When I was living in a homeless shelter, we organized a way for people to charge their phones. There were two cables to service about eighty men. And you needed to have a constantly charged phone in case a potential employer (your ticket out) called or emailed. There was also one tech guy there who regularly fixed bum USB ports and the like, no charge, who everyone revered. Functioning tech is vital (but oft nonexistent) when you're down and out. Most people don't know this.
@edwardchampion @terri Agreed. Here in the UK it's almost impossible to engage with the public sector (claim welfare, get healthcare, report crime etc) without tech.
